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Edinburgh Old Town - Castle and Palace
Joined 2020
Start to explore the centre of Edinburgh from its majestic castle - learn about its long and distinguished history and enjoy the views from inside. From there we will take a stroll down the "Royal Mile" passing by centuries of history. Once everybody lived together on or close to this historic street and I will show you where famous economists, philosophers and writers rubbed shoulders. We will end up in Scotland's royal palace - Holyrood where the Royal Family still visits every summer.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
This is the starting point of out tour. Edinburgh Castle has in one form or another been here for over a millennium and many Scottish monarchs have lived here including Mary, Queen of Scots who gave birth here. The castle has been a strategic stronghold with many armies trying (and mostly failing!) to conquer it. Learn about the oldest building here - St. Margaret's Chapel and the castle's later use as a prison to house American prisoners. The views are stunning so make sure you take lots of photos! After my introduction there will be time to explore the castle and have a coffee.
Top of Royal Mile
We will walk down the "Royal Mile" hearing about the tales of famous people who lived here as well as discovering what life was like for ordinary people in what was a very crowded medieval city. We, then, enter St. Giles Cathedral and hear about the momentous historical events that have taken place in the very heart of Edinburgh.
Royal Mile
After lunch we will continue walking down the lower part of the "Old Town" - passing by John Knox's House - the father of the Scottish Reformation as well as going down some "closes" - (narrow alleys) and finding out about who lived here. These centuries-old places have also been used for modern day films and series like "Outlander"
Holyrood Palace
Visit to Holyrood Palace. This is Scotland's principal royal residence which has seen centuries of intrigue and occasional bloodshed! Learn more about this celebrated palace and the Royal Family who still visits here for a week to conduct royal duties in Scotland. Also enjoy a walk around the gardens where views of the magnificent park and Arthur's Seat (Edinburgh's highest point) can be seen.
End of the tour
Ending Point
Holyrood Palace
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The Guide fee
Lunch not included
Admission to Edinburgh Castle (£19.50) and Holyrood Palace (£18.00)
Tour Important Information
Good walking shoes required and a rainproof jacket (it's not always sunny!)
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you anywhere in Scotland if you pay my transportation fee
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2020
About Tour Guide Alan P.
I am a fully-qualified Blue Badge guide with experience all around Scotland. If your guests want to find out all about Edinburgh and Scotland then I am the guide you need. I am proud of Scotland and its history and wear the kilt when I can! I have also lived in Spain and Italy and guide in Italian too, I have had a number of different work and cultural experiences and I also currently work as a teacher - teaching English to foreign students and I have met and enjoyed teaching English to a number of Japanese students too!
I have a wide range of interests with my knowledge of the history of Scotland being my top passion, with perhaps the Jacobite struggle being my favourite period. I am also enthusiastic about the geography and nature of this wonderful country so I can talk in detail about the wildlife that you will see when you are here. Another great interest of mine is Sport and in particular football and golf. I can’t wait to show you as much as possible in your time here and make sure that your stay was fun, enjoyable and that you have acquired a lot of knowledge about Scotland!
Reviews
“Alan - 7/14”
Knowledgeable friendly we had a very enjoyable time walking thru Edinburgh.
